Clifford "Tom" McKinley Ashe

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In loving memory of Tom, our father, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, brother-in-law, special friend and husband to our mother, Thelma, who passed previously and with whom he is now reunited. He had strong hands and a strong heart, who always gave of what he was and what he had. Many came to the doors of his and mom’s homes over the decades in Arcata, Calif., Winlock, Wash., and Napavine, Wash., and found what they needed, love, a second chance, someone to believe in them when others didn’t, or maybe just a cup of coffee, a hug, a “hello” or a hearty meal.

He met Thelma Jansen, the love of his life, 63 years ago by blowing straws at each other at an old fashioned soda shop. This July would have been 61 years of marriage for them, and 85 years for him this August. They kept simple, honest values over the years as they made a home together and raised three boys and a multitude of cats, dogs, raccoons and other animals. Dad made us all so proud of how he took care of mom in her final years.

Dad loved family and friends, get-togethers with all, card games on the weekends, and hunting and fishing here in Washington and occasionally in Canada. In recent years, he became a proficient turner of beautiful wood pens. He was a great hunter and provider. We grew up eating more venison, grouse and salmon than store bought beef.

He was born in Tuckasegee, N.C., Aug. 29, 1933, to Ramsey and Loreena Ashe. He lost his own father when he was only two. His family moved to the Skagit valley in Washington state when he was thirteen. He graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School, served in the United States Army Corps of Engineers rebuilding Korea just after the war, then married Thelma and moved to Arcata, Calif. Four years later, they moved to Winlock, Wash., and started raising their boys, then in 1981, moved to Napavine, Wash.

He passed away into the warm arms of his Lord Jesus, whom he accepted at age 13, this past Saturday, July 14, 2018, at Swedish Medical hospital in Seattle, Wash., with his boys at his bedside. As he held us over the years, we held him to the very end. He was not alone. He was very loved and will be greatly missed.

Tom is survived by his boys, Michael, Ricky and Timothy Ashe; grandchildren, Ricky T. Ashe, Melissa Toscano, Summer Ashe, Jennifer and Matthew Ashe; several great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Norma (Bill) Mitchell, Sandy McGuire, Sharon Paylor, Joy Arendst, Patsy Joe Counts and Linda Lamphiear; and his brothers-in-law, Earl Jansen and Leo (Pat) Tucker; nephews, Jeff (Laura) Ashe and Ed Grove; cousins, Fran and Dave Kaufman; and numerous other nieces, nephews and extended family. His neighbors, Jim and Marilyn Powe were not family in blood, but were in heart these last years.

Per his wishes, we will have a simple graveside service at 2 p.m., Monday, July 23, 2018, at Napavine Cemetery, 800 E Grand Blvd., Napavine, Wash., followed immediately by reception at his home at 603 4th Ave NW, Napavine, Wash. Arrangements are under the care of Cattermole Funeral Home. Please visit our website at cattermolefh.com to leave a condolence.